vanda watering - Orchid Board

tucksnug · #1 04-24-2013, 07:18 PM

I am wondering how often I should water a strap leaf vanda when spiking? I live in south Florida and my vandas are in shade houses material is 60%. Thanks in advance for any help. I've lost three spikes in the last few weeks.

Bud · #2 04-24-2013, 07:53 PM

South Florida has high humidity and the temperature is conducive to Vanda growth, I know of two members here who water their strap leaf Vandas every morning (I have very high humidity in summer but I still water my Vandas every morning when I put them out on the fire escape= twice a day if its is very hot upper 90's)
*in the winter I put them indoors when it gets in the 50's and reduce water to every other day.

tucker85 · #3 04-24-2013, 08:29 PM

I live in South Florida and I water my vandas every morning. It's especially important to water vandas when they're spiking. I also fertilize them twice a week because they have no media at all. I would also suggest spraying the spike once a week with either Orthene or Ortho Rose & Flower. The thrips in South Florida will destroy vanda buds if you don't spray for them.

CR7cristiano · #4 04-24-2013, 09:19 PM

I agree with the advice from Tucker & Bud. In addition, if you keep losing spikes then it could very well be thrips or bacteria. Because its so humid in Florida especially approaching end of spring and start of summer you must remember that with high humidity you must increase air movement around your Vandas. No air circulation presents breeding grounds for bacteria and a great environment for pests (You DON'T want this).
Regarding watering; I always emphasize watering early in the morning between 6:30 & 9am. This is when orchids are most actively absorbing moisture and nutrients. As for Vandas, they like a lot of water the warmer the climate. So watering them everyday is highly recommended. I water mine everyday except on rainy days of course and if its overcast then if you can't water in the morning don't water at all for the day. I fertilize every morning, and every other morning if time does no permit.
Firstly though, get your orchids sprayed for pests etc.

tucksnug · #5 04-24-2013, 11:20 PM

Thanks everyone, recently I've been watering them early morning and late afternoon and was thinking that may have been too much. This is the first year that I've been losing spikes, most likely thrips. I have really good cross ventilation. I've seen posts in here about using cinnamon and alcohol have you ever used this to remedy bacteria or bugs. I have kids and stay away from chemicals as bet I can. Again thanks for all the good knowledge.

CR7cristiano · #6 04-25-2013, 11:40 AM

I'm not sure about that home made remedy, but I certainly recommend using one of the ortho products Tucker mentioned. Its in a small spray bottle, and just wear a face mask and goggles and spray very early in the morning when there is no wind. Do so according to the instructions and you will be good to go. I spray with systemic insecticide and fungicide I have to mix but I cover up my entire body although I dont spray when its windy anyway.

tucker85 · #7 04-25-2013, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tucksnug

Thanks everyone, recently I've been watering them early morning and late afternoon and was thinking that may have been too much. This is the first year that I've been losing spikes, most likely thrips. I have really good cross ventilation. I've seen posts in here about using cinnamon and alcohol have you ever used this to remedy bacteria or bugs. I have kids and stay away from chemicals as bet I can. Again thanks for all the good knowledge.

There's nothing wrong with watering twice a day, especially when vandas are in spike but when you water in the afternoon, just water the roots, not the leaves. This time of year leaf spotting fungus can become a problem. I don't recommend using cinnamon or alcohol on vandas. Ortho Rose & Flower can be sprayed directly on the flower spike and buds or even on open flowers and you don't need to use very much at all. If you're growing outdoors it's really important because thrips will destroy vanda buds in South Florida. Home Depot carries it.

Bud · #8 04-25-2013, 05:08 PM

I would trust your instincts regarding your kids. Insecticides are poisonous both to bugs and mammals.

Cinnamon powder will desiccate your roots but Cinnamon 'extract' wont. Alcohol can kill fungi and bacteria but the process of evaporation can desiccate your roots..... So will insecticide chemicals. I would rather bank on home remedies first.

this was released 1995 by ortho.com on their product Ortho Rose & Flower in coordination with Purdue University:

https://www2.itap.purdue.edu/msds/docs/8923.pdf

---------- Post added at 04:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:48 PM ----------

Yet I have the Ortho Rose & Flower both in spray and granules. I use it only as a last resort if my home remedy doesn't work on the infestation.

Brooke · #9 04-25-2013, 05:11 PM

Thrips are also a big vector in spreading viruses from plant to plant.

Look for a natural organic product spelled spinsosad for thrips. One of the systemic flea products has this in it so it is pretty safe for animals. You will still need to use precautions when spraying.

Bud I've never seen an insecticide harm roots on orchids. I have many mounted orchids of all types and have never had a problem with any of them when using the Bayer products or the miticide I use for spider mites. I also pour the systemic insecticides into my pots to provide extended absorption via the roots. Which insecticides cause damage?

Brooke

CR7cristiano · #10 04-25-2013, 05:21 PM

I have to agree with Brooke. Which insecticide cause root damage? I use systemic cides once a month and the orchds absorb it thru roots n leaves so it going into the plant system and my orchids don't miss a beat; especially my Vandas. And I've been using ground cinnamon to dab on where I cut the orchids and it gets on roots withouth problem.
Lol your making me second guess myself.